Having a coastal bathroom allows you to enjoy a calm, tranquil, and spa-like moment right at home. It's a popular aesthetic for this room in the house specifically, and it's a theme that doesn't only qualify for beach-side homes; it can be easily applied to any bathroom looking to create a sense of escape.
Of course modern coastal interior design isn't just driftwood and jars of seashells — there's a more contemporary, restrained approach that better reflects what good interior designers are doing in shoreside properties.
If you're seeking a fresh approach to a coastal bathroom, we've got you covered. Take a look at these expert-approved ideas that will help you design a space that feels like a getaway.
1. Choose woven lights
A coastal theme should make you feel like you’re at the beach, so look for elements that are representative of nature and the outdoors. Consider bathroom lighting in woven textures such as rope or wicker to give the space an organic feel. Pair these with woven baskets to add more layering to the scene.
'Woven elements, soft lines, and layered textures are key to coastal decor,' says Laura Williams of ATX Interior Design. 'Also, when living in a lush environment, taking fresh cuttings from the outside and bringing them inside is one of our favorite ways to add a tropical feel in an understated & elevated way. Having two categories of light fixtures in the same space adds visual interest and some fun to this coastal beach cottage.'
2. Use a beach-y color palette
Use a subtly coastal color palette with cool-toned grays, blues, and greens to evoke the coastline in your bathroom. The softer, more watery hues will remind you of the sea, the sky, and the beautiful beach pebbles. Plus, the room will feel much larger with these tones. You could either paint the bathroom these colors or even choose bathroom tiles in coastal hues, as in this bathroom project by designer Jeff Andrews.
'These are glazed, terracotta tiles,' shares Jeff Andrews of Jeff Andrews Design. 'The handmade quality gives it a slightly rustic, water-like effect which I find very soothing. The color was selected to accentuate the vintage style of this 1910 Venice Beach Bungalow, reminding me of Bauer Pottery from the 1930s and 40s. Those ceramic colors were so vibrant and energizing while also feeling calm and cool. A perfect vibe for a coastal home.'
3. Add fun coastal motifs
There are all kinds of ways you can bring coastal motifs into your bathroom. 'From coral fragments to the use of natural fibers such as seagrass and raffia, you can pay homage to coastal elements,' says Anne Grandinetti, designer at Ashby Collective.
You run the risk of drifting into coastal cliché if you're too heavy-handed, and really a coastal bathroom doesn't need to rely on these traditional, rustic motifs. A bold bathroom wallpaper like this powder room with puffer fish, is a more maximalist approach to the coastal theme.
This wallpaper may feel too on-the-nose for some, but the smart, veined marble countertop makes it feel elegant and elevated.
4. Opt for textural walls
If you're wondering how to remodel a bathroom for an earthy, beachy vibe, this example recreates the feel of the shore wonderfully with a paint effect.
'This bathroom was fully gut renovated as the home is more than 100 years old, so it is essentially brand new,' says Kristen Pena of K Interiors. 'The wall features decorative paint, and because this area of the coast is quite foggy, this motif brings some of that into the home in a colorful, beautiful way.'
5. Include wood in the bathroom
Structural beams may seem like an accent fit for a farmhouse—not a beach house. But if your beams are distressed enough, then they can evoke visions of the sea. Consider leaving the wood beams in your bathroom exposed for that perfect look. You could also choose distressed wood bathroom storage units for that added coastal flavor.
'The beams were reclaimed to add character, interest, and a feeling of history,' avers Marie Flanigan, founder of Marie Flanigan Interiors. 'The floors were sourced from Chateau Domingue and are unglazed 2” x 6” terracotta tiles laid in a herringbone pattern. The slightly uneven and imperfect texture plays into the beautiful design.'
How do you style a coastal bathroom?
There are various elements you can use to style the bathroom with a coastal vibe. Consider tall, beach plants like palm plants, sea thrift, juniper, or tall grasses. Include a tray with seashells or add a seashell sculpture on the countertop. Add woven baskets. You could also add a nautical-themed wall clock in the room, or other similar elements.
Can you mix styles in coastal bathroom?
Yes, the trick is pairing a modern and coastal style to achieve a balanced look. Consider mixing sculptural light fixtures, angular silhouettes, and polished finishes against the backdrop of blue and white walls. Layer the space with soft linen hand towels and woven baskets. This will create a bathroom that feels both comfortable and chic.
